United States Government Syllabus for 2017-2018
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Course

GOVT-2305-017 United States Government

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills

Course Description

Origin and development of the U.S. Constitution, structure and powers of the national government including the legislative, executive and judicial branches, federalism, political participation, the national election process, public policy, civil liberties and civil rights.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

(Your text is an EBOOK)

Central Ideas in American Government 7e
978-0-9984578-4-0

Published by SOOMO Learning.   Jocelyn Evans & Kristy Michaud

Supplies

EBOOK listed above

Reliable Internet service

Student Performance

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Explain the origin and development of the United States  constitution.
2. Describe the United State political structure and how it relates to individual states and institutions.
3. Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the United States government.
5. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in the United States.
6. Analyze the federal election process.
7. Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
8. Analyze issues, policies and political culture of the United States.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

1.  Students are expected to comply with Amarillo College policies and procedures listed in the student handbook on your Amarillo College website.  You may contact the instructor prior to the beginning of any class for questions regarding a deviation from these policies.

2.  All submitted work must be original to the student submitting it.  This means no plagiarism of any kind from either other students, published works, or websites.  All students must submit in their own words.

Students will actively utilize their AC Online account to send/receive emails to/from the instructor, to receive information regarding class assignments and to receive random class announcements. 

Students without personal internet access are free to use the computer internet terminals in the Amarillo College Lynn Library located on the Washington Street Campus or the auxiliary internet library located inside the City of Amarillo North West Branch Library, 6100 SW 9th.

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria:

90  – 100 = A

80   – 89  = B

70   -  79 = C

60  -   69 = D

Below 60 = F

Weekly textbook assignments:  50% of semester grade

Weekly internet assignments, Ethical Dilemma:   40% of semester grade

Final:  10% of semester grade

Attendance

n/a

Calendar

Additional Information

The instructor reserves the right to amend this Syllabus at any time but will notify students by AC email of any changes.